Held by the New York State Archives

Overview of the Records

Repository:

New York State Archives

New York State Education Department

Cultural Education Center

Albany, NY 12230

Summary:

This series consists of carbon copies of typed reports of sudden deaths, accidents, injuries, escapes, and returns from escapes.
The printed form of the report varies over time but typically includes date of report; name of patient; identification number;
date of admission; ward number; mental diagnosis; age; and physician's signature. Escape reports include a narrative description
of how the escape was accomplished and the law enforcement officials notified.

Arrangement

B1584-97: Chronological.

Scope and Content Note

B1584-97: This series consists of carbon copies of typed reports of sudden deaths, accidents, injuries, escapes, and returns
from escapes. Only a few reports are present for years 1919-1931. The printed form of the report varies over time but typically
includes date of report; name of patient; identification number; date of admission; ward number; mental diagnosis; age; and
physician's signature (usually blank). The narrative of the report typically includes physical condition and patient behavior;
hour and date of incident; time when patient was examined by physician; physician's findings; cause of accident, with names
of persons responsible; disciplinary measures taken; names of witnesses; treatment; and names of relatives, friends, or committee
who have been notified.

Escape reports include a narrative description of how the escape was accomplished and the law enforcement officials notified.
Return from escape reports indicate how the patient was located and apprehended, physical condition on return, and the whereabouts
and activities while at large, if known.

B1584-98: This accretion contains approximately 30 incident reports. Besides reports of sudden deaths, accidents, and escapes,
this accretion includes complaints of patients describing injury, abuse, negligence of staff, and other grievances; and reports
of articles lost, missing, or stolen. Also included are statements by staff involved in incidents; reports of violations of
hospital policy, Office of Mental Mygiene Policy, and Mental Health Law; forms and narratives reporting deaths to the Commission
on Quality of Care; statements by physicians; psychological reports and histories; and copies of reprimands placed in staff
personnel files.

Use of Records

Access Restrictions

Restricted in accordance with Mental Hygiene Law, Section 33.13, relating to confidentiality of clinical records. Access is
permitted under certain conditions upon approval by the Office of Mental Health..

Related Information

Other finding aids

B1584-97: Folder list is available at the repository.

Acquistion Information

B1584-97: These records were transferred to the State Archives on May 28, 1997 from Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center under
RDA 19266.